Connecticut Historical Society Celebrates Opening of “Connecticut Innovates!” Exhibit with Inventors and Supporters

Some of Connecticut’s most creative inventors and problem solvers gathered at The Connecticut Historical Society to celebrate the opening of its newest exhibit, “Connecticut Innovates! Presented by Connecticut Innovations.” These supporters from Connecticut companies such as UTC, Kaman, Electric Boat, Sikorsky and Protein Sciences were among the first to take an up-close look at the stories behind some of Connecticut’s most unique innovations and ideas. The exhibit is now open to the public through March 25, 2017.

In addition to walking through the history of contributions made since the 1800s by such major Connecticut companies as Barnes Industrial Springs, Hubbell, Electric Boat, United Technologies, Kaman, Siemon, Sikorsky, and Pepperidge Farms, attendees spent time in the Invention Room. This interactive feature asks visitors to brainstorm solutions to some of today’s problems and then “apply” for a patent on their ideas – just as an inventor would.

“It was wonderful to share the opening of this exhibit with many of the people from all around our state who are inventors themselves and who helped us recreate the stories behind some of Connecticut’s most creative and curious minds,” Jody Blankenship, CEO of the CHS, said. “In general, the CHS focuses on the past, even our recent past, but this exhibit also asks us to look at Connecticut’s future and how our innovation will help shape the lives of generations to come. It’s an intriguing display that we hope many will enjoy.”

To complement this exhibit, the Connecticut Historical Society will feature an evening lecture on December 8 by historian Dr. Eric S. Hintz on Hartford’s role as a hub of innovation in the 19th century. Dr. Hintz, from the Lemelson Center at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., served as curator for its exhibit, “Places of Invention,” which highlights Hartford and features items loaned by the CHS. For registration details, visit www.CHS.org.

“Connecticut Innovates” is presented by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public agency that operates as a venture capital fund for high-tech companies.

Pictured in the photo are: (front row, L-R) Tom Barnes, Barnes Group Inc.; Clifford Gunsallus, Kaman; Matthew McCooe, Connecticut Innovations; (back row, L-R) Michael Cantor, Cantor Colburn, LLP; Brian Duval, The Siemon Company; Brenda Sullivan, Protein Sciences; Jody Blankenship, CHS; Jordan Klein, CHS; Paige Rasid, Connecticut Technology Council; J. Michael McQuade, UTC; and Ilene Frank, CHS.